Carbon fibers are constantly evolving. Even to the point where using carbon fiber materials in manufacturing is more affordable.
That’s why we should jump into adopting graphite fiber (carbon fiber) materials now. But first, we need to understand the various materials and weaves available.
This carbon fiber guide covers various types of carbon fiber, applications, and how they’re made.
Types of Carbon Fibers: Materials
Before diving into the types of graphite fiber weaves, first, we’ll need to understand the materials used. The following are common CF materials used by manufacturers.
Pitch-based produces a viscoelastic (pitch) material through distilling carbon-based materials. Pitch-based CF has a higher modulus and is used for manufacturing in the aerospace industry.
PAN-based creates high-temperature treatments from manufacturers. These materials are used as robust fibers and are cheaper than pitch-based materials.
Manufacturers Rayon-based used for specialized applications like insulating heat for vacuum furnaces due to heat-conducting properties.
Mesophase pitch-based has high thermal conductivity. Manufacturers use this material within the field of thermal management.
3 Types Carbon Fiber Weaves
Once weaved, manufacturers have a significantly easier time working with graphite fiber. However, there are various types of weaves. Each offers advantages in particular applications. We’ll cover these applications along with the most common carbon fiber weave types.
1. Satin Weaves
Satin weaves stand out among the other CF weave types due to their draping quality. Therefore, manufacturers have an easier time forming these weaves over complex contours. However, the satin weave’s flexibility makes it less stable than other weaves.
2. Twill Weaves
Twill weaves are the most common type of graphite fiber fabric. We can identify this type of weave due to its diagonal design pattern. This pattern comes from the 2×2 or 4×4 over-and-under weaving pattern.
These weaves serve as an excellent balance between plain and satin weaves. It can form over complex contours like satin while maintaining weave and fiber orientation like plain weaves. However, we must delicately handle this fabric.
3. Plain Weaves
These CF weaves have a checkerboard appearance, and manufacturers weave them in an over-and-under pattern. The space between the interlaces reinforces the stability levels in carbon fiber fabrics. Moreover, these weaves will maintain their fiber and weave orientation under various circumstances.
Plain weave carbon fiber works best when used as flat sheets or tubes.
Which of the Carbon Fiber Tips Do You Need?
While manufacturers use various carbon fiber weave types and materials to manufacture products, they must be careful when choosing types of carbon fibers. Otherwise, they may encounter undesirable results.
The same goes for us when choosing an ideal graphite fiber type.
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